~Into The Unknown~

/ Susan A. Royal / 2 Comments

In loving memory of Daylon Jones Royal

February 15, 1945 – October 20, 2015

While channel surfing a while back, I happened to catch the end of Close Encounters. Never see that movie that I don’t think of my husband. Especially now that he’s gone. It was one of his all-time favorites. I never really thought about it until today, but now I understand why.

In the movie, Richard Dreyfuss plays Roy Neary, an average middle-class guy who loves his family and works hard to provide for them. Only there’s another side to his character. He still believes in magic. When Roy experiences a close encounter, he doubts his sanity. But he can’t let it go because deep down inside, he wants it to be true. So he makes up his mind to prove it.

My husband was the same kind of man. He worked hard, took care of his family, and lived a quiet life. But, like Roy, there was more to him than met the eye. The casual observer never saw his keen sense of adventure. He had a fascination for the mysterious, the unexplained. The idea of travelers from another world was intriguing to him.

He would have loved the chance to do what Roy did. So it isn’t hard to visualize him standing on the runway at the end of the movie like Roy, all smiles. Reluctant to leave his life on earth, yet filled with nervous anticipation at the thought of going on an adventure beyond the stars.

I like to think that’s exactly what he’s doing right now. I’m certain he’s enjoying every minute.

And someday, I’ll join him.

It’s The Little Things

/ Susan A. Royal / 2 Comments

  In the past year, I’ve realized something. I have some extraordinary people in my life. People who’ve done a hundred things for me that I can’t do anymore. Things that make my life easier. Like noticing when something in the house needs attention and fixing it without being asked. Or taking out the trash. Checking to make sure the doors are locked. Washing the dishes. Calling or texting every few days to make sure I’m okay (mentally and physically). Bringing me food. Stopping by for coffee. Sending me cards.

  They’re always willing to help in any way they can. And they do it because they care, not just because they think they should. They’ll never know what a difference it’s made. But I will. Because it’s the little things that count.

The Cardinal

/ Susan A. Royal / 2 Comments

First thing every morning, I go for a cup of coffee. Then I open the blinds next to my computer. Today, I was greeted by a cardinal in my birdfeeder. You know what they say about cardinals, don’t you? That they appear when angels are near and represent loved ones who have passed away. They are messengers from Heaven who deliver words of love and comfort during difficult times. I always think of my husband when I see them. It’s been nearly eight years since he died, and I still miss him every day, but I can smile when I see a cardinal because it makes me feel like he’s near.  

~Into the Unknown~

/ Susan A. Royal / Leave a comment

In memory of Daylon Jones Royal, born February 15, 1945.

Susan A. Royal

…This is something I posted a few years ago…

While channel surfing a while back, I happened to catch the end of Close Encounters. Never see that movie that I don’t think of my husband. Especially now that he’s gone. It was one of his all-time favorites. I never really thought about it until today, but now I understand why.

In the movie Richard Dreyfuss plays Roy Neary, an average middle-class guy who loves his family and works hard to provide for them. Only there’s another side to his character. He still believes in magic. In the movie, when Roy experiences a close encounter, he doubts his sanity. But he can’t let it go, because deep down inside he wants it to be true. So he makes up his mind to prove it.

My husband was the same kind of man. He worked hard, took care of his family…

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~Into the Unknown~

/ Susan A. Royal / 2 Comments

 / SUSAN A. ROYAL / EDIT

Daylon Jones Royal February 15, 1945 – October 20, 2015

While channel surfing a while back, I happened to catch the end of Close Encounters. Never see that movie that I don’t think of my husband. Especially now that he’s gone. It was one of his all-time favorites. I never really thought about it until today, but now I understand why.

In the movie, Richard Dreyfuss plays Roy Neary, an average middle-class guy who loves his family and works hard to provide for them. Only there’s another side to his character. He still believes in magic. In the movie, when Roy experiences a close encounter, he doubts his sanity. But he can’t let it go, because deep down inside he wants it to be true. So he makes up his mind to prove it.

My husband was the same kind of man. He worked hard, took care of his family and lived a quiet life. But like Roy, there was more to him than met the eye. The casual observer never saw his keen sense of adventure. He had a fascination for the mysterious, the unexplained. The idea of travelers from another world was intriguing to him.

He would have loved the chance to do what Roy did. So it isn’t hard to visualize him standing on the runway at the end of the movie, all smiles. Reluctant to leave his life on earth, yet filled with nervous anticipation at the thought of going on an adventure beyond the stars.

I like to think that’s exactly what he’s doing right now. And I’m certain he’s enjoying every minute.

And someday, I’ll join him.